Method and apparatus for vehicular ordering of radio-based programs

ABSTRACT

A method of use provides an extremely efficient manner of ordering a radio program occurring at approximately the time presented, minimizing the need to remember any details: The method is embodied in a range of tactile and voice controls which people in motion need to have. Security options include voice signatures, button sequences and fingerprint identification. User feedback is embodied in both audio and visual display formats. A method of controlling a radio is claimed which provides for placing an order, querying the ordering system for additional information, initializing a user&#39;s identifying signature, initializing a session by identifying a user, if the user is not properly identified, blocking access to ordering, and in certain embodiments, calling the police. A radio device is claimed supporting an IF signal source containing essential information on the radio program, an embedded controller, user interface as well as a radio transceiver by which the ordering transaction is carried out.

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/422,131 which was filed on Oct. 20, 1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to an ordering method and apparatus forbroadcast radio programs used by a person in motion.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Many people spend significant amounts of time traveling on aregular basis. Commuters using automobiles and mass transport fill thestreets and transportation depots of many metropolitan areas severaltimes a day for many hours. Others using bicycles and other wheeledvehicles are seen not only at rush hours, but also at other timesthroughout the week and on holidays. Still others prefer to longdistance running and walking. All of these people have the opportunityto purchase radio receivers which enable them to enjoy broadcast radioprograms of a wide variety, including entertainment such as music,dramatic productions, comedies, interviews, story telling sessions, aswell as news and other factual radio programs including investment showsas well as advertisements and/or commercials.

[0004]FIG. 1 depicts typical prior art vehicular radio receivers andcellular telephones. The basic receiver 10 of today often possesses anindicator 2 visually presenting some status information, such as whetherthe FM receiver is active, and if so, its tuner frequency. There isoften a door 4 permitting loading and unloading of audio recordingmedia, such as cassette tapes or CD's. Other alternatives includedownloaded audio files on nonvolatile memory components. There isusually an array of push buttons 6, which may be arranged in a varietyof configurations, which may or may not form a regular pattern.Sometimes there are dials 8. This basic receiver 10 is usually able toreceive both AM and FM broadcasts as well as often play recordedmaterial such as cassette tapes or CDs. Audio output is often achievedin automobiles using speakers 12 and 14 coupled to the receiver 10 bywires 16 and 18, respectively.

[0005] Other kinds of commuters and travelers usually cannot afford thespace of separately detached speakers. Another solution includes aheadset 20 including left and right speakers 22 and 24 sometimes withall the electronics for broadcast radio reception being resident in theheadset 20, sometimes with an antenna 30. Volume and tuning controls 26are often mounted on the earphone-speaker sections such as 22. Batteries28 are often mounted in the headset 20 as shown. A further progressionincludes an addition of microphone 34 attached by a mount 32 to theheadset. Still further refinements include cabling 40 to a unit 42,which is often mounted on a belt.

[0006] This belt-mounted unit 42 often contains the active electroniccomponents of the basic receiver 10 discussed above. Belt-mounted unit42 often further contains an indicator 44 visually presenting somestatus information, a door 46 permitting loading and unloading of audiorecording media and an array of push buttons 48. Such units 42 usuallyreceive both AM and FM broadcasts as well as often play recordedmaterial such as cassette tapes or CDs. Some performing artists useversions of devices resembling these units 20-40-42 in place of handheld microphones and headsets. In such circumstances, the units act astransceivers, similar to cellular telephones, although with higherfidelity than standard cellular telephones. Additionally, cellulartelephones 50 possessing a microphone 52 and earphone 54, a push buttonarray 56 and sometimes an antenna 58 have become common throughout muchof the world.

[0007]FIG. 2 depicts a simplified block diagram of a typical, prior artbroadcast radio receiver. FM antenna 100 is coupled 102 to FM Tuner 104.FM Tuner 104 is coupled 106 to FM Intermediate Frequency Processor (IF)110, from which the stereo audio signals 110 are presented to AnalogMultiplexer/Switch 150. AM antenna 120 is coupled 122 to AM Tuner 124.AM Tuner 124 presents the audio signal 126 to Analog Multiplexer/Switch150. Tape drive 140 is coupled 142 to Tape Preamp 144. Tape Preamp 144presents the stereo audio signals 146 to Analog Multiplexer/Switch 150.

[0008] Analog Multiplexer/Switch 150 is usually manually controlled toselect from a collection of inputs such as discussed above. It generatesone or more audio signals 162 which are presented to Tone and VolumeControl 160, which generates audio signals 166 which are presented toone or more power amplifiers 164. Power amplifiers 164 generate one ormore audio signals presented 170 to Audio Speaker System 168. The AudioSpeaker System 168 involves one or more speakers, which may reside in aheadset, rigidly mounted on the sides of an enclosure such as a boombox, or distributed some distance from each other, as in an automobile.Often the mechanism of presentation 170 to the audio speaker system isthrough a wire-based physical transport layer, but in certainsituations, it may be through a wireless physical transport layer. Thesesystems have been a staple of the consumer electronics market for aquarter of a century, remaining virtually unchanged in that time.However, there are some frustrations associated with such systems andthe above mentioned cellular telephones.

[0009] There is a subsidiary FM signal protocol known as RDS in theUnited States (and often referred to as RDBS in Europe), which has beenadopted and deployed in a number of radio markets within the UnitedStates. RDS specifies a sub-band within the channel bandwidth of astandard FM broadcast station, which does not interfere with the audiosub-band of the FM transmission. The sub-band is currently used tobroadcast digital information such as standard identificationinformation of the standard broadcast station. From certainperspectives, this sub-band can be viewed as a sub-carrier used foradditional analog and/or digital information.

[0010]FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary prior art mobile computer 200 capableof being installed in an automobile. Computer 200 typically is designedto mount on or near the dashboard of an automobile, but couldconceptually be mounted on the handle bars of a bicycle. Assembly202-204-206 acts as a selection device similar in some ways to a mouseor joy stick. Push plate 204, when depressed away from its center,selects a region such as 206. Region 202 in certain situations containsa number of designations useful in selecting specific common options.Display 210 portrays the state of the computer, providing the main useroutput. Buttons 212, 214 and 216 provide a further array of user tactileinputs.

[0011] Systems such as this have recently come onto the market here inthe United States. Many of these systems run handheld computer operatingsystems and often feature menu driven control systems further accessingone or more nonvolatile memory systems, such as CDs, disk drives ornonvolatile semiconductor memories. However, even with such new systems,there are some frustrations associated with this kind of device and theabove mentioned radio receivers and cellular telephones. Consider thesituation where there is an interest in buying a copy of the radioprogram either being heard or having just been heard. How is this to bedone? Today one faces an inherently frustrating situation. One approachis to somehow note what was played. One might call some distributor onthe telephone to order the radio program. This is often at leastdistracting, if not dangerous, for motorists, whose life and health, aswell as the lives and health of those around them, depends upon themstaying focused on driving. For other most people in motion,simultaneously dealing with a cellular telephone and a broadcast radioreceiver would be quite inconvenient, if not again distracting andpotentially dangerous.

[0012] One might wait to visit a store selling such merchandise. Thisrequires that somehow one remember what was played and who performed itat the least. In almost all the situations described above, this isagain inconvenient, distracting and potentially dangerous.

[0013] An alternative would be to note the radio program, channel andbroadcast time and use this information to order the radio program. Sucha system has been recently granted a patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,635).Characteristic of such systems is the following description of theuser's actions to order a radio program taken from the Summary of theInvention (column 2, lines 18-21). “A customer uses her telephone tocall into the system and gives the date, time, and broadcaster of whenshe heard each requested program broadcasted.” This would again beinconvenient, distracting and in many circumstances for people inmotion, dangerous.

[0014] An additional problem confronts the user in motion: financialinformation disclosure. Cellular telephones can often be overheardelectronically. In mass transports, people in the vicinity of a user maywell overhear critical identifying information such as credit card orsubscriber numbers. Similar situations often occur for individuals onbicycles and on foot.

[0015] What is needed is a method of ordering radio programs which isconvenient, extremely easy to perform while in motion and simultaneouslycapable of being secure. What is also needed is a class of radio devicessupporting such methods of ordering. What is also needed is a method ofcontrolling such radio devices so users may order radio programs in themanners discussed hereinafter.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention answers all of these needs. The method ofuse presents an extremely efficient manner of ordering a radio programoccurring at approximately the time presented, minimizing the need toremember any details. The method is embodied in a range of tactile andvoice controls which people in motion need to have. Security optionsinclude voice signatures, button sequences and fingerprintidentification. User feedback is embodied in both audio and visualdisplay formats.

[0017] The radio device supports an IF signal source containingessential information on the radio program, an embedded controller, userinterface as well as a radio transceiver by which the orderingtransaction is carried out. The IF signal source may be digital oranalog. The embedded controller contains a writeable nonvolatile memorysupporting the control program and security signatures. The userinterface supports push buttons, audio input and output to the user, aswell as visual output to the user and a fingerprint scanner. The radiotransceiver may be embodied as a cellular telephone or bi-directionalpager.

[0018] The method of controlling the radio supports the basic actions ofplacing an order, querying the ordering system for additionalinformation, initializing a user's identifying signature, initializing asession by identifying a user, blocking access to ordering if the useris not identified, and in certain embodiments, calling the police. Incertain embodiments, the user's identifying signature may include one ormore of button sequences, voice signature and fingerprint. These andother advantages of the present invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed descriptions and studying the variousfigures of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 depicts typical prior art vehicular radio receivers;

[0020]FIG. 2 depicts a simplified block diagram of a typical, prior artbroadcast radio receiver;

[0021]FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary prior art mobile computer capable ofbeing installed in an automobile;

[0022]FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of using a vehicular radio-basedprogram selection and ordering system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0023]FIG. 5 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1008 of FIG. 4,which selects the radio program near the time of the radio programpresentation in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0024]FIG. 6 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1008 of FIG. 4,which selects the radio program near the time of the radio programpresentation in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0025]FIG. 7 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1012 of FIG. 4,which perceives the radio program selection confirmation in accordancewith certain embodiments;

[0026]FIG. 8 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1012 of FIG. 4,which perceives the radio program selection confirmation in accordancewith certain embodiments;

[0027]FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart of additional operation 1120 ofidentifying a vehicle owner to operation 1000 of FIG. 4 in accordance tocertain embodiments;

[0028]FIG. 10 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1016 of FIG. 4responding to radio program selection confirmation in accordance tocertain embodiments;

[0029]FIG. 11 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1124 of FIG. 9identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments;

[0030]FIG. 12 depicts a flowchart of additional operation 1190 ofinitializing the owner identifying signature sequence to operation 1120of FIG. 9 in accordance to certain embodiments;

[0031]FIG. 13 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1124 of FIG. 9identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments;

[0032]FIG. 14 depicts a flowchart of additional operation 1190 ofinitializing the owner identifying button sequence to operation 1120 ofFIG. 9 in accordance to certain embodiments;

[0033]FIG. 15 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1124 of FIG. 9identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments;

[0034]FIG. 16 depicts a flowchart of additional operation 1270 ofinitially pressing the fingerprint scanner to operation 1120 of FIG. 9in accordance to certain embodiments;

[0035]FIG. 17 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1142 of orderingthe radio program selection FIG. 10 in accordance to certainembodiments;

[0036]FIG. 18 depicts a flowchart controlling a vehicular radio-basedprogram selection and ordering system;

[0037]FIG. 19 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1404 of FIG. 18receiving a coded radio program data channel in accordance to certainembodiments;

[0038]FIG. 20 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1412 of FIG. 18sensing the radio program in accordance to certain embodiments;

[0039]FIG. 21 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1416 of FIG. 18displaying the radio program confirmation in accordance to certainembodiments;

[0040]FIG. 22 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1420 of FIG. 18sensing the response to the displayed radio program confirmation inaccordance to certain embodiments;

[0041]FIG. 23 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1532 of FIG. 22ordering the radio program in accordance to certain embodiments;

[0042]FIG. 24 depicts another flowchart of operations controlling avehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system inaccordance with certain embodiments;

[0043]FIG. 25 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1412 of FIG. 18determining selection of the sensed radio program in accordance tocertain embodiments;

[0044]FIG. 26 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1562 of FIG. 22determining to order the selected radio program in accordance to certainembodiments;

[0045]FIG. 27 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1416 of FIG. 18displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certainembodiments;

[0046]FIG. 28 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1416 of FIG. 18displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certainembodiments;

[0047]FIG. 29 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1416 of FIG. 18displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certainembodiments;

[0048]FIG. 30 depicts another flowchart of operations controlling avehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system inaccordance with certain embodiments;

[0049]FIG. 31 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1762 of FIG. 30initializing a usage session for a first user utilizing the signaturefor the specific user in accordance to certain embodiments;

[0050]FIG. 32 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1790 of FIG. 31blocking access by the first user whenever the comparison isnon-matching in accordance to certain embodiments;

[0051]FIG. 33 depicts a high level system block diagram showing acomputer with several forms of memory which in different embodimentsprovide residence for programs implementing the disclosed and claimedmethods of controlling a vehicular radio;

[0052]FIG. 34 depicts a summary flowchart of using a vehicularradio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with anembodiment;

[0053]FIG. 35 depicts a summary flowchart of operations controlling avehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system inaccordance with certain embodiments;

[0054]FIG. 36 depicts a system block diagram of a radio for receiving aradio program data channel, and conducting transactions in accordancewith certain embodiments;

[0055]FIG. 37 depicts a detail system block diagram system block 2002, areceiver of the radio program data channel as shown in FIG. 36 inaccordance with certain further embodiments;

[0056]FIG. 38 depicts a detail system block diagram of radio programdata channel isolator 2030 as shown in FIG. 37 in accordance withcertain further embodiments wherein the external IF signal input portsupports an analog signal protocol;

[0057]FIG. 39 depicts a detail system block diagram of analog isolationcircuit 2050 as shown in FIG. 38 in accordance with certain furtherembodiments wherein the external IF signal input port supports an analogsignal protocol;

[0058]FIG. 40 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface2020 as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodimentssupporting a user interface audio output interface providing audiooutput of the user output data;

[0059]FIG. 41 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface2020 as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodimentssupporting a user interface audio input sensor providing an user audioinput data stream;

[0060]FIG. 42 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface2020 as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodimentssupporting a visual output device providing visual output of the useroutput data;

[0061]FIG. 43 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface2020 as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodimentssupporting a user interface tactile input sensor providing an usertactile input data stream;

[0062]FIG. 44 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interfacetactile input sensor 2140 as shown in FIG. 43 in accordance with certainembodiments supporting a user interface tactile input sensor including abutton sensor;

[0063]FIG. 45 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interfacetactile input sensor 2140 as shown in FIG. 43 in accordance with certainembodiments supporting a user interface tactile input sensor including afingerprint scanner;

[0064]FIG. 46 depicts a detail system block diagram of radio transceiver2010 as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodimentssupporting the radio transceiver including a cellular telephone; and

[0065]FIG. 47 depicts a detail system block diagram of radio transceiver2010 as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodimentssupporting the radio transceiver including a bi-directional pager.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066]FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 refer to prior art and were previously discussedin the Background of the Invention.

[0067] Discussion of Primary Terms as used herein:

[0068] Radio-based programs refer to recognizable programming entitiesavailable upon a wireless broadcast physical transport. Radio-basedprograms include but are not limited to presentations of entertainment,education, news and commentary. Such presentations include but are notlimited to copyrighted music, dramatic productions, storytelling,comedies, interviews and news stories. Such presentations also includebut are not limited to stock market analyses and reports as well asadvertisements and commercials.

[0069] Vehicular radio refers to radio systems supporting reception ofbroadcast radio-based programs in venues where the listener is either inmotion, such as a bicycle, running, roller blading, skateboarding, ordriving an automobile, truck, van or motorcycle.

[0070] Vehicle button array refers to one or more buttons which thevehicular radio user may touch or press and which affects the operationof the vehicular radio.

[0071] Embedded controller refers to a digital control system, includingbut not limited to, a computer coupled to a computer readable memory.Readable memory may include more than one kind of computer memory, suchas CD ROMs, disk drives, RAM, nonvolatile semiconductor memory andremovable storage devices coupled to the embedded controller by aremovable storage interface. Removable storage devices include but arenot limited to floppy disks, CD's, and semiconductor disks. Writeablenon-volatile memory refers to non-volatile memory including at least oneaccessible word which may be purposefully altered. Non-volatility memorywill retain its contents when power is no longer supplied to the memory.

[0072]FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of using a vehicular radio-basedprogram selection and ordering system in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. Operation 1000 starts the operations of thisflowchart. Arrow 1002 directs the use from operation 1000 to operation1004. Operation 1004 performs perceiving a radio program presentation.Arrow 1006 directs the usage from operation 1004 to operation 1008.Operation 1008 performs selecting the radio program near the time of theradio program presentation. Arrow 1010 directs the usage from operation1008 to operation 1012. Operation 1012 performs perceiving the radioprogram selection confirmation. Arrow 1014 directs the usage fromoperation 1012 to operation 1016. Operation 1016 performs responding tothe radio program selection confirmation. Arrow 1018 directs the usagefrom operation 1016 to operation 1020. Operation 1020 terminates theoperations of this flowchart.

[0073]FIG. 5 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1008 of FIG. 4,which selects the radio program near the time of the radio programpresentation in accordance with certain embodiments. Arrow 1040 directsthe use from starting operation 1008 to operation 1042. Operation 1042performs acoustic signaling selecting of said radio program. Arrow 1044directs the usage from operation 1042 to operation 1046. Operation 1046terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0074]FIG. 6 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1008 of FIG. 4,which selects the radio program near the time of the radio programpresentation in accordance with certain embodiments. Arrow 1060 directsthe use from starting operation 1008 to operation 1062. Operation 1062performs pushing at least one button to signal selecting of said radioprogram. Arrow 1064 directs the usage from operation 1062 to operation1066. Operation 1066 terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0075]FIG. 7 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1012 of FIG. 4,which perceives the radio program selection confirmation in accordancewith certain embodiments. Arrow 1080 directs the use from startingoperation 1010 to operation 1082. Operation 1082 performs hearing aradio program selection description. Arrow 1084 directs the usage fromoperation 1082 to operation 1086. Operation 1086 terminates theoperations of this flowchart.

[0076]FIG. 8 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1012 of FIG. 4,which perceives the radio program selection confirmation in accordancewith certain embodiments. Arrow 1100 directs the use from startingoperation 1010 to operation 1102. Operation 1102 performs reading aradio program selection description. Arrow 1104 directs the usage fromoperation 1102 to operation 1106. Operation 1106 terminates theoperations of this flowchart.

[0077]FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart of additional operation 1120 ofidentifying a vehicle owner to operation 1000 of FIG. 4 in accordance tocertain embodiments. Operation 1120 starts the operations of thisflowchart. Arrow 1122 directs the use from operation 1120 to operation1124. Operation 1124 performs identifying a vehicle owner. Arrow 1126directs the usage from operation 1124 to operation 1128. Operation 1128terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0078]FIG. 10 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1016 of respondingto the radio program selection confirmation in accordance to certainembodiments. Arrow 1140 directs the use from starting operation 1016 tooperation 1142. Operation 1142 performs ordering the radio programselection. Arrow 1144 directs the usage from operation 1142 to operation1146. Operation 1146 terminates the operations of this flowchart. Arrow1150 directs the use from starting operation 1016 to operation 1152.Operation 1152 performs canceling the radio program selection. Arrow1154 directs the usage from operation 1152 to operation 1146. Operation1146 terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0079] Note that usage may either perform ordering the radio programselection or canceling the radio program selection. Cancellation may beautomatic in certain embodiments after a certain predetermined timeinterval has elapsed.

[0080]FIG. 11 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1124 of FIG. 9identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments.Arrow 1170 directs the use from starting operation 1124 to operation1172. Operation 1172 performs speaking an owner identifying signaturesequence. Arrow 1174 directs the usage from operation 1172 to operation1176. Operation 1176 terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0081] Note that in certain embodiments, operation 1172 may be performedonly once during a radio program session. In certain furtherembodiments, such a radio program session may be terminated if there isno user response within a predetermined time interval.

[0082]FIG. 12 depicts a flowchart of additional operation 1190 ofinitializing the owner identifying signature sequence to operation 1120of FIG. 9 in accordance to certain embodiments. Operation 1190 startsthe operations of this flowchart. Arrow 1192 directs the use fromoperation 1190 to operation 1194. Operation 1194 performs initializingthe owner identifying signature sequence. Arrow 1196 directs the usagefrom operation 1194 to operation 1198. Operation 1198 terminates theoperations of this flowchart.

[0083] Note that in certain embodiments, operation 1190 may be performedonce upon purchasing the device being used. In certain furtherembodiments, more than one owner identifying signature sequence may beinitialized. In certain alternative embodiments, operation 1190 may beperformed after purchasing the device being used.

[0084]FIG. 13 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1124 of FIG. 9identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments.Arrow 1210 directs the use from starting operation 1124 to operation1212. Operation 1212 performs pushing an owner identifying buttonsequence. Arrow 1214 directs the usage from operation 1212 to operation1216. Operation 1216 terminates the operations of this flowchart. Notethat in certain embodiments, operation 1212 may be performed only onceduring a radio program session. In certain further embodiments, such aradio program session may be terminated if there is no user responsewithin a predetermined time interval.

[0085]FIG. 14 depicts a flowchart of additional operation 1190 ofinitializing the owner identifying button sequence to operation 1120 ofFIG. 9 in accordance to certain embodiments. Operation 1230 starts theoperations of this flowchart. Arrow 1232 directs the use from operation1230 to operation 1234. Operation 1234 performs initializing the owneridentifying button sequence. Arrow 1236 directs the usage from operation1234 to operation 1238. Operation 1238 terminates the operations of thisflowchart.

[0086] Note that in certain embodiments, operation 1230 may be performedonce upon purchasing the device being used. In certain furtherembodiments, more than one owner identifying button sequence may beinitialized. In certain alternative embodiments, operation 1230 may beperformed after purchasing the device being used.

[0087]FIG. 15 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1124 of FIG. 9identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments.Arrow 1250 directs the use from starting operation 1124 to operation1252. Operation 1252 performs pressing a fingerprint scanner. Arrow 1254directs the usage from operation 1252 to operation 1256. Operation 1256terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0088] Note that in certain embodiments, operation 1252 may be performedonly once during a radio program session. In certain furtherembodiments, such a radio program session may be terminated if there isno user response within a predetermined time interval.

[0089]FIG. 16 depicts a flowchart of additional operation 1270 ofinitially pressing the fingerprint scanner to operation 1120 of FIG. 9in accordance to certain embodiments. Operation 1270 starts theoperations of this flowchart. Arrow 1272 directs the use from operation1270 to operation 1274. Operation 1274 performs initially pressing thefingerprint scanner. Arrow 1276 directs the usage from operation 1274 tooperation 1278. Operation 1278 terminates the operations of thisflowchart.

[0090] Note that in certain embodiments, operation 1274 may be performedonce upon purchasing the device being used. In certain furtherembodiments, more than one owner fingerprint scan may be initialized. Incertain alternative embodiments, operation 1274 may be performed afterpurchasing the device being used.

[0091]FIG. 17 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1142 of orderingthe radio program selection FIG. 10 in accordance to certainembodiments. Arrow 1290 directs the use from starting operation 1142 tooperation 1292. Operation 1292 performs pressing the fingerprintscanner. Arrow 1294 directs the usage from operation 1292 to operation1296. Operation 1296 terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0092]FIG. 18 depicts a flowchart controlling a vehicular radio-basedprogram selection and ordering system. Operation 1400 starts theoperations of this flowchart. Arrow 1402 directs the flow of executionfrom operation 1400 to operation 1404. Operation 1404 performs receivinga coded radio program data channel. Arrow 1406 directs execution fromoperation 1404 to operation 1408. Operation 1408 performs sensing aradio program. Arrow 1410 directs execution from operation 1408 tooperation 1412. Operation 1412 performs determining selection of saidsensed radio program. Arrow 1414 directs execution from operation 1412to operation 1416. Operation 1416 performs displaying the radio programconfirmation from the received coded radio program data channel wheneverthe radio program is sensed. Arrow 1418 directs execution from operation1416 to operation 1420. Operation 1420 performs sensing a response tothe displayed radio program confirmation and said selection of saidsensed radio program. Arrow 1422 directs execution from operation 1420to operation 1424. Operation 1424 terminates the operations of thisflowchart.

[0093]FIG. 19 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1404 of FIG. 18receiving a coded radio program data channel in accordance to certainembodiments. Arrow 1440 directs the flow of execution from startingoperation 1404 to operation 1442. Operation 1442 performs sensing aninternal radio program data channel. Arrow 1444 directs execution fromoperation 1442 to operation 1446. Operation 1446 performs processing thesensed internal radio program data channel to create a radio programdata descriptor stream. Arrow 1448 directs execution from operation 1446to operation 1450. Operation 1450 terminates the operations of thisflowchart.

[0094]FIG. 20 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1412 of FIG. 18sensing the radio program in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow1470 directs the flow of execution from starting operation 1412 tooperation 1472. Operation 1472 performs sensing a radio program channelnumber to create a sensed radio channel number. Arrow 1474 directsexecution from operation 1472 to operation 1476. Operation 1476 performsdecoding the radio program data descriptor stream based upon the sensedradio channel number to create a radio program data descriptor for thesensed radio program. Arrow 1478 directs execution from operation 1476to operation 1480. Operation 1480 terminates the operations of thisflowchart. FIG. 21 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1416 of FIG.18 displaying the radio program confirmation in accordance to certainembodiments. Arrow 1500 directs the flow of execution from startingoperation 1416 to operation 1502. Operation 1502 performs generating aradio program confirmation text. Arrow 1504 directs execution fromoperation 1502 to operation 1506. Operation 1506 performs displaying theradio program confirmation text. Arrow 1508 directs execution fromoperation 1506 to operation 1510. Operation 1510 terminates theoperations of this flowchart.

[0095]FIG. 22 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1420 of FIG. 18sensing the response to the displayed radio program confirmation inaccordance to certain embodiments. Arrow 1530 directs the flow ofexecution from starting operation 1420 to operation 1532. Operation 1532performs ordering the selected radio program. Arrow 1534 directsexecution from operation 1532 to operation 1536. Operation 1536terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0096] Arrow 1540 directs the flow of execution from starting operation1420 to operation 1542. Operation 1542 performs determining to cancelthe selected radio program. Arrow 1544 directs execution from operation1542 to operation 1536. Operation 1536 terminates the operations of thisflowchart.

[0097]FIG. 23 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1532 of FIG. 22ordering the radio program in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow1560 directs the flow of execution from starting operation 1532 tooperation 1562. Operation 1562 performs determining to order theselected radio program. Arrow 1564 directs execution from operation 1562to operation 1566, whenever operation 1562 is asserted (Yes). Operation1566 performs sending a radio program buy message for the selected radioprogram. Arrow 1568 directs execution from operation 1566 to operation1570. Operation 1570 terminates the operations of this flowchart. Arrow1572 directs execution from operation 1562 to operation 1570, wheneveroperation 1562 is not asserted (No).

[0098]FIG. 24 depicts another flowchart of operations controlling avehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system inaccordance with certain embodiments. Operation 1590 starts theoperations of this flowchart. Arrow 1592 directs the flow of executionfrom operation 1590 to operation 1594. Operation 1594 performs sensing avehicle internal audio feedback channel to create a sensed vehicle audiofeedback stream. Arrow 1596 directs execution from operation 1594 tooperation 1598. Operation 1598 performs processing the sensed vehicleaudio feedback to create a processed vehicle audio feedback. Arrow 1500directs execution from operation 1598 to operation 1502. Operation 1502terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0099]FIG. 25 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1412 of FIG. 18determining selection of the sensed radio program in accordance tocertain embodiments. Arrow 1620 directs the flow of execution fromstarting operation 1412 to operation 1622. Operation 1622 performsdetermining the processed vehicle audio feedback to create thedetermined selection of the sensed radio program. Arrow 1624 directsexecution from operation 1622 to operation 1626. Operation 1626terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0100]FIG. 26 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1562 of FIG. 22determining to order the selected radio program in accordance to certainembodiments. Arrow 1640 directs the flow of execution from startingoperation 1562 to operation 1642. Operation 1642 performs determiningthe processed vehicle audio feedback to create the determined orderingof the selected radio program. Arrow 1644 directs execution fromoperation 1642 to operation 1646. Operation 1646 terminates theoperations of this flowchart.

[0101]FIG. 27 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1416 of FIG. 18displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certainembodiments. Arrow 1670 directs the flow of execution from startingoperation 1416 to operation 1672. Operation 1672 performs audioprocessing the radio program confirmation text to create an audio radioprogram confirmation script. Arrow 1674 directs execution from operation1672 to operation 1676. Operation 1676 performs sending the audio radioprogram confirmation script to an audio output device. Arrow 1678directs execution from operation 1676 to operation 1680. Operation 1680terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0102]FIG. 28 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1416 of FIG. 18displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certainembodiments. Arrow 1700 directs the flow of execution from startingoperation 1416 to operation 1702. Operation 1702 performs sending a buyquery for the selected radio program. Arrow 1704 directs execution fromoperation 1702 to operation 1706. Operation 1706 performs receiving aresponse to the selected radio program buy query. Arrow 1708 directsexecution from operation 1706 to operation 1710. Operation 1710 performsgenerating the radio program confirmation text from the selected radioprogram buy query response. Arrow 1712 directs execution from operation1710 to operation 1714. Operation 1714 terminates the operations of thisflowchart.

[0103]FIG. 29 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1416 of FIG. 18displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certainembodiments. Arrow 1730 directs the flow of execution from startingoperation 1416 to operation 1732. Operation 1732 performs presentingsaid radio program confirmation text to a visual output device. Arrow1734 directs execution from operation 1732 to operation 1736. Operation1736 terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0104]FIG. 30 depicts another flowchart of operations controlling avehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system inaccordance with certain embodiments. Operation 1750 starts theoperations of this flowchart. Arrow 1752 directs the flow of executionfrom operation 1750 to operation 1754. Operation 1754 performsinitializing use for a specific user to create a signature for thespecific user. Arrow 1756 directs execution from operation 1754 tooperation 1758. Operation 1758 terminates the operations of thisflowchart. Arrow 1760 directs the flow of execution from startingoperation 1750 to operation 1762. Operation 1762 performs initializing ausage session for a first user utilizing the signature for the specificuser. Arrow 1764 directs execution from operation 1762 to operation1758. Operation 1758 terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0105] Note that operations 1754 and 1762 may be selected through anumber of different mechanisms, including but not limited to pushingbuttons.

[0106]FIG. 31 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1762 of FIG. 30initializing a usage session for a first user utilizing the signaturefor the specific user in accordance to certain embodiments. Operation1780 starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow 1782 directs theflow of execution from operation 1780 to operation 1784. Operation 1784performs sampling the first user response to create a first usersignature. Arrow 1786 directs execution from operation 1784 to operation1788. Operation 1788 performs comparing the first user signature withthe signature of the specific user to create a signature comparison.Arrow 1790 directs execution from operation 1788 to operation 1792.Operation 1792 performs blocking access by the first user whenever thecomparison is non-matching. Arrow 1794 directs execution from operation1792 to operation 1796. Operation 1796 terminates the operations of thisflowchart.

[0107]FIG. 32 depicts a detail flowchart of operation 1790 of FIG. 31blocking access by the first user whenever the comparison isnon-matching in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow 1810 directsthe flow of execution from starting operation 1790 to operation 1812.Operation 1812 performs sending a stolen device report based upon thefirst user signature. Arrow 1814 directs execution from operation 1812to operation 1816. Operation 1816 terminates the operations of thisflowchart.

[0108]FIG. 33 depicts a high level system block diagram showing acomputer with several forms of memory which in different embodimentsprovide residence for programs implementing the disclosed and claimedmethods of controlling a vehicular radio. Computer 1830 is coupled toComputer Readable Memory 1840 by read access operations as indicated byarrow 1842. At least one program implementing the method according tothe present invention of controlling a vehicular radio may reside inthis memory 1842 in accordance with certain embodiments. In certainfurther embodiments, at least one program implementing the methodaccording to the present invention may reside in a first non-volatilememory 1846, contained within the memory domain of computer readablememory 1840. Some or all of this first non-volatile memory 1846, as wellas some or all of the computer readable memory 1840 may be successfullyaccessed by write operations as indicated by the arrow 1844 fromcomputer 1830. Certain preferred embodiments of the above memory systeminclude but are not limited to RAM, battery backed up RAM, nonvolatilesemiconductor memory, combinations of RAM and nonvolatile semiconductormemory, as well as RAM and disk memory of various kinds. Nonvolatilememory includes but is not limited to one or more devices embodying ROM,EPROM, EEPROM or Flash EEPROM memory technology as well as disk memoryincluding both electromagnetic and optical recording media.

[0109] The coupling access operations 1842 and 1844 may be carried outusing a variety of mechanisms including but not limited to computerbusses and addressable port communication schemes. Computer bussesinclude but are not limited to multiplexed address and data busses,demultiplexed address and data busses, as well as encoded multiplexedaddress data busses. Multiplexed computer busses share bus resources forthe address and data signals so that most operations involve separatebus states to transfer address and data signals. A number of solid-statedisk busses are examples of multiplexed address and data bus.Demultiplexed address and data busses do not share bus resources for theaddress and data signals allowing for address and data signals to betransferred in a single bus state. PCI bus is an example of such ademultiplexed address and data bus. Encoded multiplexed address and databuses encode these address and data signals so that several bus statesare required to transfer at least some of the address or data signals.USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an example of an encoded multiplexedaddress and data bus. Computer 1830 is further coupled to a secondnonvolatile memory 1850 in a fashion supporting read operations asindicated by arrow 1852. This second nonvolatile memory 1850 may providethe residence of at least one program implementing the disclosed andclaimed methods of controlling a vehicular radio. In certain furtherembodiments, the second nonvolatile memory 1850 may be written asindicated by arrow 1854 from computer 1830.

[0110] A removable storage device 1860 engaged 1864 with removablestorage interface 1862 and readably coupled 1866 to computer 1830provides a residence for at least one program implementing the disclosedmethods of controlling a vehicular radio in accordance with certainembodiments.

[0111]FIG. 34 depicts a summary flowchart of using a vehicularradio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with anembodiment. Operation 1900 starts the operations of this flowchart.Arrow 1902 directs the usage from operation 1900 to operation 1000.Operation 1000 performs operations discussed with regards to FIG. 4above. Arrow 1904 directs the usage from operation 1000 to operation1906. Operation 1906 terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0112] Arrow 1910 directs the usage from starting operation 1900 tooperation 1120. Operation 1120 performs operations discussed regardingFIG. 9. Arrow 1912 directs the usage from operation 1120 to operation1906. Operation 1906 terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0113] Arrow 1920 directs the usage from starting operation 1900 tooperation 1190. Operation 1190 performs operations discussed regardingFIG. 12. Arrow 1922 directs the usage from operation 1190 to operation1906. Operation 1906 terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0114] Arrow 1930 directs the usage from starting operation 1900 tooperation 1230. Operation 1230 performs operations discussed regardingFIG. 14. Arrow 1932 directs the usage from operation 1230 to operation1906. Operation 1906 20 terminates the operations of this flowchart.

[0115] Arrow 1940 directs the usage from starting operation 1900 tooperation 1270. Operation 1270 performs operations discussed regardingFIG. 16. Arrow 1942 directs the usage from operation 1270 to operation1906. Operation 1906 terminates the operations of this flowchart. FIG.35 depicts a summary flowchart of operations controlling a vehicularradio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance withcertain embodiments. Operation 1950 starts the operations of thisflowchart. Arrow 1952 directs the flow of execution from operation 1950to operation 1400. Operation 1400 performs operations discussedregarding FIG. 18. Arrow 1954 directs execution from operation 1400 tooperation 1956. Operation 1956 terminates the operations of thisflowchart.

[0116] Arrow 1960 directs the flow of execution from starting operation1950 to operation 1590. Operation 1590 performs operations discussedregarding FIG. 24. Arrow 1962 directs execution from operation 1590 tooperation 1956. Operation 1956 terminates the operations of thisflowchart.

[0117] Arrow 1970 directs the flow of execution from starting operation1950 to operation 1750. Operation 1750 performs operations discussedregarding FIG. 30. Arrow 1972 directs execution from operation 1750 tooperation 1956. Operation 1956 terminates the operations of thisflowchart.

[0118] Note that direction of execution to these operations may beachieved by a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to thepushing of buttons and selection of menu options, possibly as part of anevent processing mechanism within an application running on an eventdriven real-time operating system.

[0119]FIG. 36 depicts a system block diagram of a radio for receiving aradio program data channel, and conducting transactions in accordancewith certain embodiments. An embedded controller 2000 is shown includinga computer readable memory 1840 containing a writeable non-volatilememory component 1846. A receiver 2002 of said radio program datachannel is coupled 2004 to the embedded controller 2000 generating aradio program data channel stream readably accessible by the embeddedcontroller.

[0120] A radio transceiver 2010 is coupled to the embedded controller2012 receiving from the embedded controller transaction output messages.The radio transceiver 2010 generates a transaction input stream 2014readably accessible by the embedded controller 2000.

[0121] A user interface circuit 2020 is coupled to said embeddedcontroller 2000 generating user selection data readably accessible 2024by said embedded controller. The user interface circuit 2020 receives2022 from said embedded controller 2000 user output data.

[0122]FIG. 37 depicts a detail system block diagram system block 2002, areceiver of the radio program data channel as shown in FIG. 36 inaccordance with certain further embodiments. The radio further includesan external IF signal input port 2034. The radio program data channelreceiver 2002 includes a radio program data channel 15 isolator 2030containing an input port 2038 coupled 2032 to said external IF inputsignal port 2034. The radio program data channel isolator 2030 furthercontains a digital output port 2038 coupled 2004 to the embeddedcontroller 2000 providing the radio program data channel stream.

[0123] In certain embodiments the external IF signal input port 2034 maybe derived from the output 110 of FM IF stage 108, as required forreception of the RDBS sub-band. In certain alternative embodiments, theexternal IF signal input port 2034 may be derived from a differentsignal protocol transmitted independently of standard FM broadcasts.Such alternative embodiments include but are not limited to otherapplications AM, FM, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), TimeDivision Multiple Access (TDMA), Wavelet Division Multiple Access,various spread spectrum techniques including but not limited to directsequence (CDMA), Wideband CDMA employing both spreading and scramblingcodes, frequency hopping and time hopping.

[0124]FIG. 38 depicts a detail system block diagram of radio programdata channel isolator 2030 as shown in FIG. 37 in accordance withcertain further embodiments wherein the external IF signal input portsupports an analog signal protocol. The radio program data channelisolator 2032 includes an analog isolation circuit 2050. The analogisolation circuit 2050 includes a first analog input port coupled 2044to the external IF input port 2036 and a first digital output portcoupled 2048 to the radio program data channel isolator digital output.The analog isolation circuit 2050 further includes an A/D converter 2040further comprising a second analog input port 2042 coupled 2044 to thefirst analog input port and a second digital output port 2046 coupled2048 to the first digital output port.

[0125]FIG. 39 depicts a detail system block diagram of analog isolationcircuit 2050 as shown in FIG. 38 in accordance with certain furtherembodiments wherein the external IF signal input port supports an analogsignal protocol. The analog isolation circuit 2050 includes bandpassfilter 2060 containing an input port 2062 coupled 2064 to the externalIF input signal 2036 and further containing a output port 2066 coupled2068 to the A/D converter input port 2042.

[0126]FIG. 40 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface2020 as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodimentssupporting a user interface audio output interface 2080 providing 2082,2084 audio output 2086 of the user output data. Note that in certainembodiments, user interface audio output interface 2080 can provide adigital interface. In certain alternative embodiments, user interfaceaudio output interface 2080 can provide an analog interface. In certainembodiments, user interface audio output interface 2080 can provide feed2084 a mixer. In certain embodiments, user interface audio outputinterface 2080 can provide feed 2084 a multiplexer.

[0127]FIG. 41 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface2020 as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodimentssupporting a user interface audio input sensor 2100 providing 2024 anuser audio input data stream to the embedded controller 2000. Note thatin certain embodiments, audio input sensor 2100 may include an A/Dconverter coupling audio input 2102 to output coupling 2024. In certainfurther embodiments, audio input sensor 2100 may further include anamplifier coupled between the A/D converter and audio input 2102. Incertain further embodiments, audio input sensor 2100 may further includea filter coupled between the A/D converter and the audio amplifier.

[0128]FIG. 42 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface2020 as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodimentssupporting a visual output device 2100 providing visual output 2122 ofthe user output data 2022. The visual output device 2100 in certainembodiments includes but is not limited to a Light Emitting Diode Device(LED), which may further include a multiplicity of Light Emitting Diodecomponents. The visual output device 2100 in certain embodiments mayinclude but is not limited to a flat panel display device such as foundin a variety of calculators, handheld computers and notebook computers.

[0129]FIG. 43 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface2020 as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodimentssupporting a user interface tactile input sensor 2140 providing an usertactile input data stream 2024. FIGS. 44 and 46 demonstrate twoembodiments of devices included in user interface tactile input sensor2140 providing tactile input support. Such figures are not meant tolimit the scope of user tactile input, but rather to provide examplesadvantageous in certain applications. Other examples include but are notlimited to touch pads and proximity sensors.

[0130]FIG. 44 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interfacetactile input sensor 2140 as shown in FIG. 43 in accordance with certainembodiments supporting a user interface tactile input sensor 2140including a button sensor 2160. Button sensor 2160 includes a buttoninput port 2166 coupled 2164 to button input 2162. In certainembodiments, button input 2162 includes multiple buttons and aninterface circuit. In certain embodiments, button input 2162 includedbutton debounce circuitry. In certain embodiments, button input 2162provides a binary state value related to pushing or not pushing therelated button. In certain embodiments, button input 2162 furtherprovides more detailed motion related information, such as keyacceleration and release.

[0131]FIG. 45 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interfacetactile input sensor 2140 as shown in FIG. 43 in accordance with certainembodiments supporting a user interface tactile input sensor 2140including a fingerprint scanner 2180. The coupling 2184 of user finger2182 to input port 2186 of fingerprint scanner 2180 may include a CCDarray in certain embodiments. In certain further embodiments, inutcoupling 2184 may further include a pressure sensor to indicate whenuser finger 2182 is positioned for a fingerprint scan. In certainalternative embodiments, input port 2186 may include a CCD array.

[0132]FIG. 46 depicts a detail system block diagram of radio transceiver2010 as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodimentssupporting the radio transceiver 2010 including a cellular telephone2200. Cellular telephone 2202 is coupled 2204 to

1. A method of using a vehicular radio-based program selection andordering system comprising: perceiving a radio program presentation;selecting a radio program near the time of said radio programpresentation; perceiving a radio program selection confirmation; andresponding to said radio program selection confirmation.
 2. A method ofusing a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system asrecited in claim 1: wherein selecting said radio program furthercomprises acoustic signaling selecting of said radio program.
 3. Amethod of using a vehicular radio-based program selection and orderingsystem as recited in claim 1: wherein selecting said radio programfurther comprises pushing at least one button to signal selecting ofsaid radio program.
 4. A method of using a vehicular radio-based programselection and ordering system as recited in claim 1: wherein perceivingsaid radio program selection confirmation further comprises hearing aradio program selection description.
 5. A method of using a vehicularradio-based program selection and ordering system as recited in claim 1:wherein perceiving said radio program selection confirmation furthercomprises reading a radio program selection description.
 6. A method ofusing a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system asrecited in claim 1 further comprising: identifying a vehicle owner.
 7. Amethod of using a vehicular radio-based program selection and orderingsystem as recited in claim 1: wherein responding to said radio programselection confirmation further comprises at least one of the collectioncomprising: ordering said radio program selection; and canceling saidradio program selection.
 8. A method of using a vehicular radio-basedprogram selection and ordering system as recited in claim 7 whereinidentifying said vehicle owner further comprises speaking an owneridentifying signature sequence.
 9. A method of using a vehicularradio-based program selection and ordering system as recited in claim 8further comprising: initializing said owner identifying signaturesequence.
 10. A method of using a vehicular radio-based programselection and ordering system as recited in claim 7 wherein identifyingsaid vehicle owner further comprises pushing an owner identifying buttonsequence.
 11. A method of using a vehicular radio-based programselection and ordering system as recited in claim 10 further comprises:initializing said owner identifying button sequence.
 12. A method ofusing a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system asrecited in claim 7 wherein identifying said owner further comprisespressing a fingerprint scanner.
 13. A method of using a vehicularradio-based program selection and ordering system as recited in claim 12further comprises initially pressing said fingerprint scanner.
 14. Amethod of using a vehicular radio-based program selection and orderingsystem as recited in claim 12 wherein ordering said radio programselection further comprises pressing said fingerprint scanner.
 15. Amethod of controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection andordering system comprising: receiving a coded radio program datachannel; sensing a radio program; determining selection of said sensedradio program; displaying said radio program confirmation from saidreceived coded radio program data channel whenever said radio program issensed; and sensing a response to said displayed radio programconfirmation and said selection of said sensed radio program.
 16. Amethod of controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection andordering system as recited in claim 15 wherein receiving a coded radioprogram data channel further comprises sensing an internal radio programdata channel; and processing said sensed internal radio program datachannel to create a radio program data descriptor stream.
 17. A methodof controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection and orderingsystem as recited in claim 16 wherein sensing said radio program furthercomprises sensing a radio program channel number to create a sensedradio channel number; and decoding said radio program data descriptorstream based upon said sensed radio channel number to create a radioprogram data descriptor for said sensed radio program.
 18. A method ofcontrolling a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering asrecited in claim 15 wherein displaying said radio program confirmationfurther comprises generating a radio program confirmation text; anddisplaying said radio program confirmation text.
 19. A method ofcontrolling a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering asrecited in claim 18 wherein sensing said response to said displayedradio program confirmation further comprises at least one of acollection comprising determining to order said selected radio programfurther comprising sending a radio program buy message for said selectedradio program whenever determining to order said selected radio programis asserted; and determining to cancel said selected radio program. 20.A method of controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection andordering system as recited in claim 19 further comprising sensing avehicle internal audio feedback channel to create a sensed vehicle audiofeedback stream; and processing said sensed vehicle audio feedback tocreate a processed vehicle audio feedback; and wherein determiningselection of said sensed radio program further comprises determiningsaid processed vehicle audio feedback to create said determinedselection of said sensed radio program.
 21. A method of controlling avehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system as recitedin claim 20 wherein determining to order said selected radio programfurther comprises determining said processed vehicle audio feedback tocreate said determined ordering of said selected radio program.
 22. Amethod of controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection andordering system as recited in claim 19 wherein displaying said radioprogram confirmation text further comprises audio processing said radioprogram confirmation text to create an audio radio program confirmationscript; and sending said audio radio program confirmation script to anaudio output device.
 23. A method of controlling a vehicular radio-basedprogram selection and ordering system as recited in claim 19 whereindisplaying said radio program confirmation text further comprisessending a buy query for said selected radio program; receiving aresponse to said selected radio program buy query; and generating saidradio program confirmation text from said selected radio program buyquery response.
 24. A method of controlling a vehicular radio-basedprogram selection and ordering system as recited in claim 19 whereindisplaying said radio program confirmation text further comprisespresenting said radio program confirmation text to a visual outputdevice.
 25. A method of controlling a vehicular radio-based programselection and ordering system as recited in claim 15 further comprisingat least one of the collection comprising: initializing use for aspecific user to create a signature for said specific user; andinitializing a usage session for a first user utilizing said signaturefor said specific user.
 26. A method of controlling a vehicularradio-based program selection and ordering system as recited in claim 25wherein initializing a usage session for said first user furthercomprises sampling said first user response to create a first usersignature; comparing said first user signature with said signature ofsaid specific user to create a signature comparison; blocking access bysaid first user whenever said comparison is non-matching.
 27. A methodof controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection and orderingsystem as recited in claim 26 wherein blocking access by said first userwhenever said comparison is non-matching further comprises sending astolen device report based upon said first user signature.
 28. A methodof controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection and orderingsystem as recited in claim 15 implemented as a computer program residingin computer readable memory.
 29. A method of controlling a vehicularradio-based program selection and ordering system as recited in claim 28wherein said computer readable memory resides in a removable storagedevice which when engaged by a removable storage interface may beaccessed by a computer.
 30. A radio for receiving a radio program datachannel, and conducting transactions comprising an embedded controllerfurther comprising a computer readable memory containing a writeablenon-volatile memory component; a receiver of said radio program datachannel coupled to said embedded controller generating a radio programdata channel stream readably accessible by said embedded controller; aradio transceiver coupled to said embedded controller receiving fromsaid embedded controller transaction output messages; and a userinterface circuit coupled to said embedded controller generating userselection data readably accessible by said embedded controller; whereinsaid radio transceiver generates a transaction input stream readablyaccessible by said embedded controller; and wherein said user interfacecircuit receives from said embedded controller user output data.
 31. Aradio for receiving a radio program data channel, and conductingtransactions as recited in claim 30 further comprising an external IFsignal input port; and wherein said radio program data channel receiverincludes a radio program data channel isolator containing an input portcoupled to said external IF input signal and further containing adigital output port coupled to said embedded controller providing saidradio program data channel stream.
 32. A radio for receiving a radioprogram data channel, and conducting transactions as recited in claim 31wherein external IF signal input port supports an analog signalprotocol; and wherein said radio program data channel isolator furthercomprises an analog isolation circuit including a first analog inputport coupled to said external IF input port; a first digital output portcoupled to said radio program data channel isolator digital output; andan A/D converter further comprising a second analog input port coupledto said first analog input port; and a second digital output portcoupled to said first digital output port.
 33. A radio for receiving aradio program data channel, and conducting transactions as recited inclaim 32 wherein said analog isolation circuit further comprises abandpass filter containing an input port coupled to said external IFinput signal and further containing a output port coupled to said A/Dconverter input port.
 34. A radio for receiving a radio program datachannel, and conducting transactions as recited in claim 30 wherein saiduser interface circuit further comprises a user interface audio outputinterface providing audio output of said user output data.
 35. A radiofor receiving a radio program data channel, and conducting transactionsas recited in claim 30 wherein said user interface circuit furthercomprises-a user interface audio input sensor providing an user audioinput data stream to said embedded controller.
 36. A radio for receivinga radio program data channel, and conducting transactions as recited inclaim 30 wherein said user interface circuit further comprises a visualoutput device providing visual output of said user output data.
 37. Aradio for receiving a radio program data channel, and conductingtransactions as recited in claim 30 wherein said user interface circuitfurther comprises a user interface tactile input sensor providing anuser tactile input data stream.
 38. A radio for receiving a radioprogram data channel, and conducting transactions as recited in claim 37wherein said user interface tactile input sensor further comprises abutton sensor.
 39. A radio for receiving a radio program data channel,and conducting transactions as recited in claim 37 wherein said userinterface tactile input sensor further comprises a fingerprint scanner.40. A radio for receiving a radio program data channel, and conductingtransactions as recited in claim 30 wherein said radio transceivercomprises a cellular telephone.
 41. A radio for receiving a radioprogram data channel, and conducting transactions as recited in claim 30wherein said radio transceiver comprises a bi-directional pager.